Visiting Yellowstone National Park in September

There are many activities and attractions that you can enjoy while visiting Yellowstone National Park in September. When planning a Yellowstone vacation in the fall it’s important to know the most updated information about the services, roads and attractions that are open.

Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, this vast wilderness area boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery in the United States. The park’s unique geothermal features create amazing landscapes with colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

We live only hours away and visit Yellowstone often. The tips we share are based on our experiences visiting the park. Use this Yellowstone National Park travel guide to help you plan your September vacation: things to see, do and photograph as well as what to pack, where to stay and services available.

Our number one tip is to pack and wear winter clothes when visiting in September so you can enjoy your time in the park!! Use our Yellowstone National Park Packing List to make sure you have the right clothing and gear. Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!

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Visiting Yellowstone National Park in September

In September you’ll find all the park roads, services, and campgrounds are open so it’s one of the best times to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Visitation numbers in September are high so be prepared for crowds during the day. We always recommend entering the park early in the morning, or even later in the afternoon.

Yellowstone Weather in September

The Yellowstone National Park weather and temperatures in September are moderate with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the upper 30s degrees Fahrenheit.

Be prepared for rain or snow at any time in September. It also doesn’t hurt to pack winter gloves, winter hat, winter coat and fleece jacket – wear layers since the mornings and evenings will be cool.

How Long Should I Plan My Yellowstone Vacation?

We suggest you plan to go for at least 4-5 days to really experience Yellowstone. This way you are not rushed and you can be a little more patient with the crowds of people knowing you have time to see everything.

Not only that, but 4-5 days gives you time to relax, fish, hike, and really experience Yellowstone for everything it has to offer! Here’s our favorite Yellowstone 4 day itinerary!

Yellowstone & Grand Teton AUDIO TOUR
(GuideAlong)

“Download the app to your phone – no cell or wifi service needed. Based on your GPS location, the app takes you on a guided tour of the park and points out all the interesting features and stops. It’s like having a park ranger in the car with you.”

Things to Do at Yellowstone in September

Our number one Yellowstone vacation tip to avoid lines at the entrance gates is to enter the park early and head to the popular sites ahead of the crowds.

Be prepared for slow cars and bison or bear jams. Pack your patience and enjoy the scenery!

Here’s a list of Yellowstone National Park fall activities when you visit in September!

Yellowstone Scenic Drives in September

Yellowstone covers over 2 million acres of land! It’s divided into 2 main sections and 9 areas. You’ll find two scenic drive loops within the park, as well as other stunning Yellowstone scenic drives outside the park!

Yellowstone National Park Southern Loop Scenic Drive:

There are three entrances to access the southern loop of Yellowstone: West (West Yellowstone), South (Grand Teton), and East (Cody).

There are seven areas in the southern loop of Yellowstone:

Madison
Old Faithful
Lake
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Grant Village
Canyon
Norris

Yellowstone National Park Northern Loop Scenic Drive:

There are two entrances with direct access to the north loop of Yellowstone: North (Gardiner) and Northeast (Cooke City).

There are four areas in the northern loop of Yellowstone:

Mammoth
Tower-Roosevelt
Canyon
Norris

There are so many points of interest to see along these drives! We HIGHLY recommend downloading the GuideAlong Yellowstone Audio Tour App to hear fun behind-the scenes stories and local tips that play automatically as you drive, based on your GPS location in the park!

Hiking at Yellowstone in September

Before exploring any Yellowstone hikes in September, we recommend you check with the rangers at the Visitor Center to get current trail conditions. Also tell someone your hiking destination, route, and estimated time of return.

Click this link for a list of Yellowstone National Park Easy Fall Hikes to add to your list! Check out the Yellowstone hikes by region:

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiking at Yellowstone:

Stay on trails: taking shortcuts causes trail erosion and is dangerous. In hydrothermal areas, stepping on thin crust may plunge you into boiling water.

What to Bring on a Day Hike: at a minimum, carry water, a raincoat or poncho, a warm hat, an insulating (non cotton) layer of clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

Yellowstone Waterfalls in September

Most of the Yellowstone waterfalls don’t require hiking to see them. In September the water flow is lower than other times of year, but it doesn’t make them any less spectacular! Here’s a list of the main waterfall attractions in the park:

Canyon: Lower and Upper Falls, Brink of Upper Falls
Firehole Falls
Gibbon Falls
Kepler Cascades
Lewis Falls
Moose Falls
Tower Fall
Undine Falls

hot pool at yellowstone — Hot pool at Yellowstone

Yellowstone Geysers and Hot Springs in September

Any time of year is a good time to see the hydrothermal features in Yellowstone: geysers, hot springs, mudpots, travertine terraces and fumaroles. Check out the NPS website for the latest geyser eruption predictions!

Here’s a list of the best locations to see these these unique features:

bull and female elk during the elk rut at Yellowstone — Fall elk rut at Yellowstone

Wildlife at Yellowstone in September

Around the second week of September, you’ll begin to hear the high pitched bugle of bull elk signaling the elk rut! The town of Mammoth is a terrific place to watch the male elk exert their dominance.

Bears return to the lower elevations looking for berries and bull bison or elk that perished during the rut. Migratory hawks and eagles begin to travel south and west for the winter.

We’ve put together this resource of the best time to visit Yellowstone for wildlife in case you want to see a specific animal in the park.

Remember the parameters to keep you and the animals safe!

Never approach animals. The animals in Yellowstone are wild and unpredictable, no matter how calm they appear to be.
The safest (and often best) view of wildlife is from inside a car. Always stay at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Never feed wildlife. Animals that become dependent on human food may become aggressive toward people and have to be killed. Keep all food, garbage, or other smelly items packed away when not in use.
Never park in the road or block traffic. Use pullouts to watch wildlife and let other cars pass. Stay with your vehicle if you encounter a wildlife jam.

Yellowstone Photography in September

We recommend you have your camera ready to go because the wildlife you may see as you drive through the park won’t wait for you to find the camera in your car.

In September you’ll also want to photograph the geysers, hot pools, waterfalls and rivers. Here are some tips for taking pictures at Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Tours in September

Taking a tour helps you see many parts of Yellowstone that you might not see on your own. Here’s a list of Yellowstone Summer Tours you can still book in September :

Yellowstone Camping in September

A favorite way to enjoy the park is by camping at Yellowstone National Park. With numerous campground options, you’ll find a variety of Yellowstone campsites ranging from full-service to primitive.

Many campgrounds begin to close in September so be sure to check closing dates!

All campsites at Yellowstone’s 12 campgrounds require advanced reservations in September. It’s recommended you make your reservations far in advance due the demand for camping at Yellowstone.

If you can’t find a spot in the park, check out the RV parks near Yellowstone National Park!

Where to Stay in Yellowstone in September

Places to stay in West Yellowstone

Places to stay in Gardiner

Yellowstone Gateway Inn, Gardiner – full kitchen and comfy bed, one of our favorite places to stay!
Park Hotel Yellowstone, Gardiner – charming place to stay and loved by guests!
Absaroka Lodge, Gardiner – beautiful location with river views!
Gardiner hotels!

Places to stay in Cooke City or Silver Gate

Sunny Log Home on the Creek, Silver Gate (VRBO) – the most AMAZING location with an awesome fireplace and comfy bed!
High Country Motel and Cabins – local owners who love what they do, and make you feel so welcome!

Yellowstone Vacation Planning Guide

Plan your dream vacation to Yellowstone! Click the graphic below to get your Yellowstone planner includes a 4-day itinerary of things to see, do, and photograph in all the regions around the park!

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in September

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.